The Nigerian Army has confirmed the tragic deaths of three of its medical personnel and a patient due to acute Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF), commonly known as Lassa fever, at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna.
The victims reportedly passed away within the last 48 hours, with some in critical condition.
In response to the situation, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, emphasised to the African Health Report (AHR) correspondent on Thursday that there is no cause for panic despite the concerning circumstances.
Nwachukwu said, “While it is yet unclear what we are dealing with, the Nigerian Army wishes to confirm that there was indeed some suspicion of what presented as acute Viral Hemorrhagic disease in the Accident and Emergency unit of the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna (NARHK), which has resulted in the death of a couple of its medical staff serving in the hospital.”
He further explained, “In response to the suspected outbreak, directives have been passed that Prevention Control (IPC) measures in and around all military health care facilities in Kaduna be stepped up as part of measures to curtail further spread and loss of lives.”
According to him, the Nigerian Army has taken swift action by initiating contact tracing, intensifying infection prevention control measures, and closing and evacuating the Accident and Emergency ward of the hospital for thorough decontamination.
He added that Samples have been sent to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) laboratory in Kano for analysis, and the Kaduna state Epidemiologists have been engaged to assist in addressing the situation.
Nwachukwu reassured the public, stating, “The Nigerian Army urges members of the general public to not panic, as adequate measures have already been put in place to contain the suspected outbreak. It equally assures that its collaboration with all relevant stakeholders is open, transparent and in tandem with international best practice.
“The Nigerian Army also emphasised its commitment to providing medical services to civilians in its host communities and stated that the unfortunate development will not deter its efforts to fulfil this moral obligation.
“All Nigerian Army medical facilities in Kaduna and environs have been placed on alert to implement necessary infection prevention control measures and closely monitor patients, staff, and family members.”
